Data from long-term care ombudsman programs in six states: The implications of collecting resident demographics

Purpose: This article focuses on why it is important for longterm care ombu dsmen to collect resident demographics. Design and Methods: The authors ana lyzed a cross-sectional, 6-state database to show the importance of ombudsm an programs' collecting demographic information about the residents of long -term care facilities whom they serve. To demonstrate the importance of col lecting demographic data about residents, the authors examined the relation ships between race, gender, and types of complaints lodged, verified, and f ully resolved. Results: A higher percentage of complaints lodged on behalf of racial minorities was verified, yet a lower percentage was fully resolve d. Implications: Ombudsman databases are a potential resource for identifyi ng residents' characteristics that increase their vulnerability in long-ter m care settings.